What's North Reading like? (Boston, Billerica: job market, good schools, subdivisions)

[jamurphy]

Can anyone tell me what North Reading is like in terms of cost of living, family atmosphere yes or no, things to do, job market and overall quality of life? I know, it's a lot to answer.

Also, is there a downtown/village or is it just spread out all over the place? Looking for an affordable, family-oriented town in that area with good schools and a village, within an easy drive to Boston.

Thanks.

[goyguy]

It's one of the most "blah" burbs of all! What's said about Los Angeles ("99 suburbs in search of a city") applies to North Reading on a smaller scale. It's mainly subdivisions clustered here and there with little in the way of shopping of any kind that's walkable.
During the '80s North Reading got some notoriety after voters turned down a proposed tax hike to help keep the town's library open. So the library was either closed entirely or had its hours drastically reduced - can't remember which. As a consequence the town got nicknamed "No Reading."
The schools are "just OK." But in the North Reading's favor it can be said that it's very safe, thanks due in part to the developments with their relatively small yards which make for easier socializing between neighbors. You can get to know, and befriend, people on your street pretty easily compared to much of New England.
In that vicinity the schools are better in Wakefield and "the Andovers," with Reading and Stoneham about equal.

[495neighbor]

North Reading is primarily a bedroom community, with few businesses, very spread out with some working farms. There is a town center with government buildings. Socs towards Andover has good ice cream. The close-by towns of Middleton, Andover and Wakefield have more developed town centers, with places to eat and small shops.

[Bucephalas]

Originally Posted by goyguy

In that vicinity the schools are better in Wakefield and "the Andovers," with Reading and Stoneham about equal.

I might be out of date, but I would put North Reading schools in approximately the same league as Reading, a notch below Andover/Winchester, but above Wakefield/Stoneham/Melrose.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by Bucephalas

I might be out of date, but I would put North Reading schools in approximately the same league as Reading, a notch below Andover/Winchester, but above Wakefield/Stoneham/Melrose.

I know an acquaintance who moved from Billerica to North Reading in 2012 and his opinions (at least as of the time of the move) confirm your viewpoint.